Fitting a TRC

[ben_brown]

I have a dilemma of sorts. I wanted to use this vintage TRC on my 89 4003S but I seem to have some tuners in the way.
This is how it lines up with the original holes.

This is how it fits against the nut the best.

and this is how it doesn't hit anything...
but doesn't look the best...

What would you do in this predicament? Would you try to fit it around the tuners or cut the base end off like in the 3rd pic and drill new holes?
...or.....would you try and reshape it so it doen't interfere with the tuners?
What precautions do I need to take if doing any cutting or sanding to the TRC?
Also I might add that I traded in the original TRC to get this one so I am sort of stuck using this one.....unless you have a better idea.

[jps]

I take it this is a new plexi TRC from RIC?

These work best with the current, larger headstocks. Once PW chimes in to tell you the options available for reshaping it, I think you have to make the TRC smaller overall, like those from the early '70s. Both of mine are 5 3/4" long.

[jps]

Here they are:

[ben_brown]

Both of mine are 5 3/4" long.

Yes I know....I have two of them as well....

[cjj]

I've gotta say, I've always liked the plexi TRC's better. Perhaps it's because that's what my first 4001 came with...

Anyway, have you tried laying one of the '70s TRC's on top of your "new" one? It looks like they are a bit different in shape, less curve. Maybe reshaping the "new" one to be similar to the others would end up with the holes and such closer.

But then, maybe it's the shape of the "new" vintage one you're after, in which case, well, my suggestion just wouldn't do.

[jingle_jangle]

The plexi TRCs have a nicer shape than the injection-molded, raised-letter ones. I think one reason for this is that the injection-molded ones were designed to fit such a variety of headstock configurations. So I would not use a raised-letter TRC as a pattern to trim a plexi one. Use an older ('70s) plexi one if you have it.

If you want to wing this, you can first sand the nut end of the TRC on a very slight angle, to allow it to clear the bushings. Once this is done, you can either leave it as it, or reduce it in size by referring to photographs. Sand with a sanding block and some #150 grit paper; for the inside curved area you can wrap sandpaper around a small tin can; my favorite round block is a short section of non-ribbed automotive radiator hose.

After it's sanded to shape with the #150, resand it with # 400 or 600 wet or dry. Polish it if you like, otherwise you're good to go. You may have to redrill the headstock to match the hole at the tip.

[cjj]

I was trying to say to use the early 70's 4001 plexi TRC's as a template, not the raised letter ones.

By the way, be VERY careful drilling the holes in the plexi, it's real easy to have a normal bit dig in and crack it. The best thing to use is a special bit designed for use on plastics. Here's one place that has them:
http://www.eplastics.com/Plastic/Plastic_Drill_Bits

You should use a drill press, by hand almost never works the way you want. There are various methods for drilling with regular bits, but for something like a vintage TRC, I'd spend a few bucks and get the right tool.

[jingle_jangle]

No need to drill holes in the plexi itself, if you shape it correctly.

However, if you must, you can drill using a standard bit, in the smaller sizes necessary for screw holes. Simply stick the TRC down to a clean piece of MDF with double-stick tape under the area of the hole. Use a drill press; if all you have is a hand drill, proceed slowly...as long as the hole is small and the plexi is backed with MDF, the hole will come out clean.

For larger holes, like pot and switch holes in pickguards, use a Forstner bit of the right diameter.

[ben_brown]

Well I was successful in reshaping the plexi TRC....

Before....

and After....

I shaped the outside curve with a vertical shaft horizontal belt sander and I used an oscillating spindle sander for the inside curve.
I then wet sanded the entire outside edges with a piece of dead 320...


And while I had the bass in the shop I also prepared the opposite end for it's transformation.

Two coats of vinyl sealer applied afterwards.

[kiramdear]

That TRC looks perfect, Steve. What else are you doing to your bass?

[cjj]

Well, that turned out nice! The TRC looks like it was made to fit that bass!

[beatlefreak]

Nice job, Steve.

[jps]

I am so looking forward to the finished product, Mr. Brown.

[ben_brown]

I am so looking forward to the finished product, Mr. Brown.

Me too Jeffrey....me too.

[jingle_jangle]

Forgot you were a cabinetmaker, Steve, or I would have told you to use those exact two tools.

But then again, you didn't need me to tell you that! Looks great.